Fifth Annual Small Farm Conference Slated for UMES

PRINCESS ANNE, MD If you own a small farm, plan to start one or just want to grow a garden in your backyard, there s a conference at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) designed especially for you.

Farmers, landowners, and gardening enthusiasts will be offered tips and tools at the upcoming fifth annual small farm conference. The conference will be held in the Richard A. Henson Center at UMES on Saturday, November 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn about profitable alternative enterprises, new direct marketing opportunities and other strategies to increase farm income and sustain small-scale agriculture.

Seminar topics will include Growing and Marketing Fresh-cut Flowers, Growing Certified Organic Vegetables, Making the Web Work for Your Farm Business, Direct Marketing: Is it Right for You?, Fall is Fabulous for Gardening!, Benefits of Raising Pastured-fed Livestock and AG 101& So You Want to Start Farming.

Roger L. Richardson, a life-long farmer from Worcester County and secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, will be on hand to give opening remarks and discuss various agricultural programs and services offered by the department. There will be an exhibit and vendor trade show, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about current products and services offered by agricultural equipment and supply companies, financial lenders, USDA agencies and other local businesses.

Berran Rogers, conference coordinator and small farm project director, said, We are very pleased to be offering an all-inclusive conference program this year that addresses the needs and interests of farmers as well as people who just enjoy gardening around the house.